If the United States does not take an unambiguous position and demonstrate unmistaken resolve against Egypt's current undemocratic path, and if your administration decides to resume suspended aid programs in the face of growing repression and brutality, your words on democracy and human rights will ring hollow.

How extraordinary it would be were we to figuratively "beat our swords into plowshares," that is, to convert our weaponry deliveries to a like value in wheat deliveries, showing a brotherly concern for the travails of all Egyptians in this, their dark hour.

The U.S. leverage in Egypt is not great, but it is not nothing. The U.S. needs to work with our allies to it make clear that a repeat of 1954 when a military coup led to a junta ruling Egypt for nearly six decades is not acceptable.